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Magical Bloody Sex Assassin #1
Gadarene
King Arthur/Merlin AU
“You’re the Prince?” Merlin says, eyeing him. He hesitates, then adds, defiant, “The Mad Prince of Camelot.”
Arthur doesn’t move. There’s quiet for a long time, then he says it. “I am.”
“You don’t seem mad,” he says.
The smile wells up from somewhere deep, and very sad. “Well, Merlin,” he says, “give me time.”
Words:76831 complete
“You’re the Prince?” Merlin says, eyeing him. He hesitates, then adds, defiant, “The Mad Prince of Camelot.”
Arthur doesn’t move. There’s quiet for a long time, then he says it. “I am.”
“You don’t seem mad,” he says.
The smile wells up from somewhere deep, and very sad. “Well, Merlin,” he says, “give me time.”
Words:76831 complete
230 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2012
6 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Unpossible
19 books22 followersyou can email me at unpossiblea at yahoo dot com dot au
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 20, 2016
touching, suspenseful, romantic, and—ultimately—glorious.
with one of the most thrilling final lines i've read.
it's a little overstuffed and under-plotted in the middle, but both the opening movements and the final page are quite well done.
full of compassion, and cleverness, and the kind of gently bumpy adventure that kept my brain from eating me alive for most of the day.
sweet, and outrageously sexy, and occasionally funny too.
a tender expression of all the best parts of a very middling television show cast to the gills with beautiful people pretending to be brave and kind.
thank you, author.
this was lovely.
(mind the trigger warnings.)
with one of the most thrilling final lines i've read.
it's a little overstuffed and under-plotted in the middle, but both the opening movements and the final page are quite well done.
full of compassion, and cleverness, and the kind of gently bumpy adventure that kept my brain from eating me alive for most of the day.
sweet, and outrageously sexy, and occasionally funny too.
a tender expression of all the best parts of a very middling television show cast to the gills with beautiful people pretending to be brave and kind.
thank you, author.
this was lovely.
(mind the trigger warnings.)
August 2, 2015
BR with Pack led astray by promise of magic - Maygirl, Meags, Otila, R, Rosa, Jen
I tend to stick to the modern AU Merlins but this one is worth a trip through the veils of myths into history. Royalty, Sourcery, Magic and Dragons, when well done they're stories of wonder, noble knights and legendary love. This story is very well done, and book length, and free!
It's a re-read for me, yet beyond familiarity at the beginning I didn't remember the story and had the added fun of a BR and seeing comments by those just discovering the delights of Merlin.
The characters are strongly portrayed, faceted and interesting. While Merlin starts the story as a slave his derogation is never gratuitous, barely on page and not at Arthur's hand. I expected more of the madness in the blurb but there is no shortage of plot, a lot is happening though as with any well written fic it's the characters that carry it.
There's dark themes yet the spirit of the show also comes through. Two people fighting for a better reality and discovering each other. Magic.
August 12, 2015
4.5
Sex and magic and all the feelz.
I loved it!
Thanks for an awesome BR Rosa, Meags, Jen, R, Meep & Maygirl! Addictions are always better when shared.
Sex and magic and all the feelz.
I loved it!
Thanks for an awesome BR Rosa, Meags, Jen, R, Meep & Maygirl! Addictions are always better when shared.
June 26, 2017
My first Merthur!
And unfortunately for my poor, overwhelmed self - it won't be my last.
This was freakin fantastic!! I got very nostalgic reading this as I remembered how much I gobbled up historic romance like it was going out of style way back when.
This had action and intrigue, angst and magic, losses and victories. Such a great intricate plot with subtle nuances in motivation and court politics, as well as a realistic, slow burn love that made it that much more powerful.
So yes - epic love!
And fabulous smex. (Just wanted to throw that out because inquiring minds like mine, always want to know).
I'm in awe.
Bloody brilliant!!
Thanks girls, for drawing me into your group read! You've not steered me wrong yet!
And unfortunately for my poor, overwhelmed self - it won't be my last.
This was freakin fantastic!! I got very nostalgic reading this as I remembered how much I gobbled up historic romance like it was going out of style way back when.
This had action and intrigue, angst and magic, losses and victories. Such a great intricate plot with subtle nuances in motivation and court politics, as well as a realistic, slow burn love that made it that much more powerful.
So yes - epic love!
And fabulous smex. (Just wanted to throw that out because inquiring minds like mine, always want to know).
I'm in awe.
Bloody brilliant!!
Thanks girls, for drawing me into your group read! You've not steered me wrong yet!
July 17, 2014
Just SO good! I am wondering why I left this in my to read pile for so long. Well, actually I do know -- overloading of Arthurian tales and variants. Familiarity breeding disgust and all that. Reading unpossible's story Ashes, Embers, and Flames was the gateway. I guess the contemporary setting allowed me to get over my biases. While that story was good, this one was great. I just wanted to keep living in the story. *sigh* Now I have great book hangover.
October 7, 2015
Thanks for the BR, Jen, Maygirl, Meags, Meep, Otila & R!
January 10, 2016
4 Stars
This whole Merthur situation is a slippery slope, leading to an addiction I doubt I'll be able to resist - and let's be honest, I'm not even going to try to resist.
This type of fantasy genre is always my undoing (just look at my utter obsession with Captive Prince). I love high fantasy themes, magic, royal intrigue and deception, warring kingdoms etc etc... Not to mention an epic m/m pairing, that is heart-achingly beautiful and ridiculously hot.
This was such an enjoyable and intriguing read. Made even more epic because it's novel length and FREE.
My one complaint is the ending: this was more HFN, then HEA. . Although, there are two mini sequels, so perhaps all my qualms are resolved. Only one way to find out!!
Awesomepack BR with R, Jen, Rosa, Meep, Otila and Maygirl!!
This whole Merthur situation is a slippery slope, leading to an addiction I doubt I'll be able to resist - and let's be honest, I'm not even going to try to resist.
This type of fantasy genre is always my undoing (just look at my utter obsession with Captive Prince). I love high fantasy themes, magic, royal intrigue and deception, warring kingdoms etc etc... Not to mention an epic m/m pairing, that is heart-achingly beautiful and ridiculously hot.
This was such an enjoyable and intriguing read. Made even more epic because it's novel length and FREE.
My one complaint is the ending: this was more HFN, then HEA. . Although, there are two mini sequels, so perhaps all my qualms are resolved. Only one way to find out!!
Awesome
June 26, 2020
What an absolute treat.
There is something truly special about Merlin and Arthur.
I could read endless stories about them.
Gadarene doesn't disappoint.
Here Arthur is the mad-king, plagued my actual moments of madness that has made his rule questionable.
Merlin is a slave, kidnapped from his village and taken in as a bed warmer. Tortured, violated by an evil man only to be saved by Arthur.
As always these two find a way to each other, the connection unquestionable, the love epic.
Our faithful characters make a re-appearance, Gwen, Morgana, Lancelot, the dragon and so forth.
There are some fresh takes here with known characters and new ones.
Fabulous memorable fan fic.
There is something truly special about Merlin and Arthur.
I could read endless stories about them.
Gadarene doesn't disappoint.
Here Arthur is the mad-king, plagued my actual moments of madness that has made his rule questionable.
Merlin is a slave, kidnapped from his village and taken in as a bed warmer. Tortured, violated by an evil man only to be saved by Arthur.
As always these two find a way to each other, the connection unquestionable, the love epic.
Our faithful characters make a re-appearance, Gwen, Morgana, Lancelot, the dragon and so forth.
There are some fresh takes here with known characters and new ones.
Fabulous memorable fan fic.
September 7, 2012
This is one of those online free fictions that make me wonder why I ever pay for books.
The writing is excellent, the characters have depth, the dialogue is sharp and the plot is perfectly paced.
I can't do this justice, so here is an excerpt from early on:
“What am I even here for?” he bursts out suddenly, and then freezes.
He can almost hear Will’s exasperated cry of Merlin, you idiot! Do you want to be brutalized?
“What?” The Prince glances up from the papers in front of him.
Merlin bites his lip and for once in his life decides to stay silent. Far, far too late, of course.
“Why are you here?” He leans back in his chair, eyes glittering as he stares across the room at Merlin.
“Nothing,” Merlin mutters. “Forget I spoke.”
He’s actually smirking now. “You’re here to warm my bed, Merlin, weren’t you listening?”
“And that’s it?”
A blonde eyebrow arches. “Is there something else you’d rather be doing?”
“No,” the word bursts out and he steps back, reflex. He’s infuriated at the sudden pit of black in his stomach. The shadow that passes over the other man’s face isn’t pleasant to see, either. He already knows the Prince isn’t going to hurt him, won’t whore him out amongst the knights and nobles, or any of the other panicked imaginings he’d created that first night. He almost feels like apologizing. Almost.
“It’s just – I’m bored,” he says instead, truculent, knowing it will amuse Arthur. How he knows that, he’s not quite sure. But he's right.
“I’m devastated to hear that simply basking in my presence doesn’t fill your days with delight, Merlin,” the Prince says, turning his eyes back to the papers in front of him, mouth twitching. “I will of course give it my immediate attention.”
He doesn’t look Merlin’s way for the rest of the night.
The writing is excellent, the characters have depth, the dialogue is sharp and the plot is perfectly paced.
I can't do this justice, so here is an excerpt from early on:
“What am I even here for?” he bursts out suddenly, and then freezes.
He can almost hear Will’s exasperated cry of Merlin, you idiot! Do you want to be brutalized?
“What?” The Prince glances up from the papers in front of him.
Merlin bites his lip and for once in his life decides to stay silent. Far, far too late, of course.
“Why are you here?” He leans back in his chair, eyes glittering as he stares across the room at Merlin.
“Nothing,” Merlin mutters. “Forget I spoke.”
He’s actually smirking now. “You’re here to warm my bed, Merlin, weren’t you listening?”
“And that’s it?”
A blonde eyebrow arches. “Is there something else you’d rather be doing?”
“No,” the word bursts out and he steps back, reflex. He’s infuriated at the sudden pit of black in his stomach. The shadow that passes over the other man’s face isn’t pleasant to see, either. He already knows the Prince isn’t going to hurt him, won’t whore him out amongst the knights and nobles, or any of the other panicked imaginings he’d created that first night. He almost feels like apologizing. Almost.
“It’s just – I’m bored,” he says instead, truculent, knowing it will amuse Arthur. How he knows that, he’s not quite sure. But he's right.
“I’m devastated to hear that simply basking in my presence doesn’t fill your days with delight, Merlin,” the Prince says, turning his eyes back to the papers in front of him, mouth twitching. “I will of course give it my immediate attention.”
He doesn’t look Merlin’s way for the rest of the night.
May 6, 2013
I'm just amazed! I'm not the type to love books like these: Gadarene had lots of dark themes but that adds to its appeal. Reading fanfiction is becoming a hobby of mine and I'm pleasantly surprised that most people who write fanfiction are usually better than the authors who are published. Nobody gives them the credit they deserve.
Gadarene is an M-M romance with King Arthur and Merlin as the main characters. Arthur is powerless, unable to change anything about anything and is basically frustrated with his helplessness. The main reason is that Arthur is known to unexpectedly slip into bouts of madness which gives him his nickname: The Mad Prince. Because of this 'condition', Camelot is currently under the regency of Agravaine, Arthur's uncle.
Enter Merlin. Merlin, while protecting Ealdor, his village, get captured by Agravaine's lackeys and is forced into slavery. Along the way to Camelot, he is forced to endure the violation of his body. As if that wasn't enough, the raiders had his magic, which is illegal in Camelot, bound by iron manacles.
When they meet, Arthur finds an immediate need to protect Merlin and to do that, he buys Merlin as a sex slave. And thus Merlin and Arthur grow together and learn to rely on eachother. As the dragon said, they're two sides of the same coin.
This is a chillingly, beautiful story which I fell in love with. The characters were in depth, the storyline was original and real and the growth between Merlin and Arthur were endearingly sweet and cripplingly dark at the same time. 5 stars well deserved.
Gadarene is an M-M romance with King Arthur and Merlin as the main characters. Arthur is powerless, unable to change anything about anything and is basically frustrated with his helplessness. The main reason is that Arthur is known to unexpectedly slip into bouts of madness which gives him his nickname: The Mad Prince. Because of this 'condition', Camelot is currently under the regency of Agravaine, Arthur's uncle.
Enter Merlin. Merlin, while protecting Ealdor, his village, get captured by Agravaine's lackeys and is forced into slavery. Along the way to Camelot, he is forced to endure the violation of his body. As if that wasn't enough, the raiders had his magic, which is illegal in Camelot, bound by iron manacles.
When they meet, Arthur finds an immediate need to protect Merlin and to do that, he buys Merlin as a sex slave. And thus Merlin and Arthur grow together and learn to rely on eachother. As the dragon said, they're two sides of the same coin.
This is a chillingly, beautiful story which I fell in love with. The characters were in depth, the storyline was original and real and the growth between Merlin and Arthur were endearingly sweet and cripplingly dark at the same time. 5 stars well deserved.
August 1, 2015
Let me gather my thoughts!
Merthur gang bang, you know who you are. Let's do this. Hopefully with MAGIC.
Merthur gang bang, you know who you are. Let's do this. Hopefully with MAGIC.
July 8, 2013
Absolutely fascinating AU of the show Merlin.
Hunith became ill and so couldn't send Merlin to Gaius in Camelot as she'd planned. Just as Uther dies, Arthur begins having episodes of "madness" and therefore can't take the throne--thus Agravaine as regent.
I'm inexplicably fascinated with AU stories, and this one was delightful. Merlin and Arthur are both still very much like themselves, with only slight differences from the different way things happen. They're lovely together, and it was lovely to see them both become stronger and better from being together.
I can't help but wish, though, that
Favorite Quotes:
"Magical bloody sex assassin. Definitely."
"I might need you to carry something," Arthur says, then eyes Merlin doubtfully. "Something extremely light. And unbreakable."
"Hector," he says, more gently. "This is what I am for."
Sometimes it feels like his magic has a crush on Arthur that is completely separate from Merlin himself.
"I want," Arthur says into his mouth, "Merlin."
"You can have Merlin," he moans back. "You can absolutely--"
He knows in that one flash that he will never be free, never want another, never again will he be alone in this world, as long as there is Arthur.
"Political ambitions are one thing. But you hurt Arthur," he shook his head, voice dropping lower, "and that I will not abide."
Hunith became ill and so couldn't send Merlin to Gaius in Camelot as she'd planned. Just as Uther dies, Arthur begins having episodes of "madness" and therefore can't take the throne--thus Agravaine as regent.
I'm inexplicably fascinated with AU stories, and this one was delightful. Merlin and Arthur are both still very much like themselves, with only slight differences from the different way things happen. They're lovely together, and it was lovely to see them both become stronger and better from being together.
I can't help but wish, though, that
Favorite Quotes:
"Magical bloody sex assassin. Definitely."
"I might need you to carry something," Arthur says, then eyes Merlin doubtfully. "Something extremely light. And unbreakable."
"Hector," he says, more gently. "This is what I am for."
Sometimes it feels like his magic has a crush on Arthur that is completely separate from Merlin himself.
"I want," Arthur says into his mouth, "Merlin."
"You can have Merlin," he moans back. "You can absolutely--"
He knows in that one flash that he will never be free, never want another, never again will he be alone in this world, as long as there is Arthur.
"Political ambitions are one thing. But you hurt Arthur," he shook his head, voice dropping lower, "and that I will not abide."
August 28, 2015
This is this month obsession Merlin and Arthur. I'm not a big fan of historical theme story because sometimes authors get stuck describing the past so much that they neglect the main characters. I'm not looking authenticity. I'm looking for the author to make me believe that the fiction is fact. I know the show that this story is inspired from, so I didn't need details on the world. I knew who the players were in the story. I was interested in this author's version of Merlin/Arthur. I love it and the perfect kick book to search out for more. (4 stars)
January 14, 2016
So... This story basically depicts what would have happened if say Merlin didn't come a year until after Uther's death. Interesting is a mild way of putting it. It's as if so many of the obstacles he has faced didn't happen which affected their (Arthur & Merlin)'s relationship - and made it into an amorous one. I definitely liked the story and am curious what'll happen next.
August 13, 2013
I give it 5 stars instead of 4 because it is an unpublished work that surpassed my expectations and make me really like the characters-even though I don't usually read a lot of fanfiction or King Arthur stories.
April 15, 2013
the beginning of the relationship is portrayed quite nicely, but the ending felt very rushed.I think there was potential for a better story there. That said, I still had fun reading it.
July 2, 2020
Merlin and Arthur fanfiction in a Game-of-thrones-esque world full of intrigue and politics, drama, magic but also the violence and brutality typical of those types of stories. I loved every moment of it, was captivated from the start. Recommended!
November 25, 2012
I don’t read that much fanfiction, but when I do, it's purely for the story and not for the characters they are supposed to be portraying. I am not a fan of Supernatural, Toy story, or Merlin series in this case but I read their fanfiction. Just because the story drew me in. So, my review or rating will not be influenced in any way by this being fanfiction.
That being said, I enjoyed this story, it was sweet, well paced and light, in spite of some of the darker things that were portrayed. Merlin was sweet and determined and loyal and Arthur was strong and responsible and completely in love with Merlin even if he doesn’t realize it. They had some funny interactions that I would have liked to see more between them but still, they made a good pair.
Could have used some work on a lot of things, but for the light read I perceived it to be it was enough.
That being said, I enjoyed this story, it was sweet, well paced and light, in spite of some of the darker things that were portrayed. Merlin was sweet and determined and loyal and Arthur was strong and responsible and completely in love with Merlin even if he doesn’t realize it. They had some funny interactions that I would have liked to see more between them but still, they made a good pair.
Could have used some work on a lot of things, but for the light read I perceived it to be it was enough.
January 20, 2015
I really liked this new approach to the legend of Camelot. I sometimes got a bit confused because of the POV switch between Arthur and Merlin with no warning. There are also some issues with incorrect use of tenses, otherwise I would have given it five stars.
But it was so worth reading it, definitely couldn't put it down.
But it was so worth reading it, definitely couldn't put it down.
September 19, 2015
Plot heavy fan fics are unique, this one was a good read with a decent romantic/plot balance.
June 8, 2014
Nice, bit f a Hamlet feel, but without the tragedy
February 1, 2017
Genuinely beautiful story, with a stunningly well rendered atmosphere and breathtaking tension and development at just the right pace.
As I realized while reading Ashes, Embers, Flames, this lady is working with some serious skill, and even her penchant for the dramatic somehow works for me, especially in a medieval fic involving magic. If anything requires dramatic reveals and whatnot, this is it.
As a side note, I have a distinct feeling I've read this before (and I don't mean that in the sense that it struck me as very similar to some other fic - I mean actual déjà-vu while reading specific scenes), but I also know for sure I would've added it on GR if I had. Mystery.
As I realized while reading Ashes, Embers, Flames, this lady is working with some serious skill, and even her penchant for the dramatic somehow works for me, especially in a medieval fic involving magic. If anything requires dramatic reveals and whatnot, this is it.
As a side note, I have a distinct feeling I've read this before (and I don't mean that in the sense that it struck me as very similar to some other fic - I mean actual déjà-vu while reading specific scenes), but I also know for sure I would've added it on GR if I had. Mystery.
June 16, 2017
3.5* Well written, despite a few grammatical errors, and fast-moving fanfiction with some surprising (but welcome) sex moves for the times. The repartee between Arthur and Merlin seems missing, though the passion between them almost makes up for it.
March 1, 2019
Merthur
It was a bit long for my reading habits but I enjoyed the beginning (even if quite dark) and the last part the most. Sorcerers, prince and even a dragon. Highly entertaining 🐉✨❤️✨🐉
It was a bit long for my reading habits but I enjoyed the beginning (even if quite dark) and the last part the most. Sorcerers, prince and even a dragon. Highly entertaining 🐉✨❤️✨🐉
May 18, 2020
3.5 stars
September 9, 2022
3.5
A little predictable but not bad.
A little predictable but not bad.
November 25, 2022
its just wrong,
Complete destruction of the characters and the plot.
Complete destruction of the characters and the plot.
September 13, 2015
This was much better than many of the books that I purchased this year. The author is very talented and I hope he or she will write for publication one day.
Truly wonderful, historical, Arthur and Merlin story. The story is about how Arthur overthrows his uncle's Regency to claim his kingdom. The story itself was great but throw in a romance between Merlin and Arthur and the work was outstanding. The author did a fabulous job of making the relationship ring true by not pushing a physical relationship and allowing the characters to develop and the trust to build.
Truly wonderful, historical, Arthur and Merlin story. The story is about how Arthur overthrows his uncle's Regency to claim his kingdom. The story itself was great but throw in a romance between Merlin and Arthur and the work was outstanding. The author did a fabulous job of making the relationship ring true by not pushing a physical relationship and allowing the characters to develop and the trust to build.
Read
June 9, 2014Opinion to write.
March 16, 2016
It felt nice to see everything wrapped up so nicely. It's an alternate reality to the one in the TV show and things end up 100% better in this case - though they start off being way worse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews